Micro Business Development Program

Have you ever considered launching a business? Do you have a business but still have questions and would like to learn more about business management?From startup to long-term sustainability, we support new and established entrepreneurs to make their dreams and aspirations a reality.

Overview-MBDP

The Micro Business Development Program can provide you with training and technical assistance if you are planning to start or expand a small business.

Take advantage of numerous opportunities to network with other entrepreneurs, ongoing classes and group workshops, our technology resource center (with computers and business development resources), or meet one-on-one with our experienced business counselors.

Learn how to:

Develop and test your business concept

Select the best business entry option

Organize and manage your business

Research and market your business

Understand and get your financials in order

Finance for your business

Since 1988, we have assisted more than 3,000 low-income individuals with planning the startup or expansion of a small business, including over $2 million in financing leveraged for businesses.

Upcoming business workshops at Capstone include one on how to start your business and several on marketing and financials. Please click on the PDFs below:

In the central Vermont area, contact Capstone Community Action at 802-479-1053 and ask for MBDP (Micro Business Development Program).

The MBDP operates statewide through each of the five Community Action Agencies in Vermont.

Services-MBDP

We offer the following support to current and aspiring entrepreneurs:

Business Workshops: The Micro Business Development Program of Capstone Community Action offers a “Business Building Blocks” workshop series. Business experts will present information on a number of topics including assessing business opportunities, writing a business plan, balancing work and family life, record keeping and tax planning, determining insurance needs, setting the right price for your product or service, strategizing with cash flow projections, and developing a marketing plan.

One-to-one business counseling: Experienced counselors, who have owned their own businesses and intimately understand the challenges and rewards, can offer support from the start of your vision, through the planning stages, all the way to launch day. From there, our counselors can offer continued support to help you meet your goals and maintain and grow a successful business. For clients who have established businesses, we can offer assistance specific to your needs.

Financial Education: If you have ever wondered how to read your credit report or why your credit score matters, we can help. We offer financial education to help people establish credit or build their credit score so that they can begin to build assets and become financially secure.

Upcoming Workshops at Capstone (Free):

Join us for our "Ignite Your Business" workshops! Contact Margaret Ferguson to register or for more information at 477-5214 or mferguson@capstonevt.org.

We are offering three new opportunities in 2019 to attend our workshop "From Dream to Reality: Starting Your Own Business". This is the same class offered on three different days at Capstone in Barre. Times are all the same, 8:30-10 a.m. and all Fridays. Choose the date that best fits your schedule: January 18th, February 1st, or March 1st.

Additionally we are offering several other opportunities to build your business:

National Small Business Week is May 4 -11 Small business owners power our economy….and our communities. When I think about what I purchase from small business owners each week throughout the year, I’m amazed at the depth and breadth of their products and expertise. In my opinion, every day is a day to celebrate our small business owners!